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At a time when most consumer electronics manufacturers are jostling to remain in competition, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has gone ahead of its time and is thinking in the futuristic realm. Earlier last week, Apple filed a number of patents for products the company intends to launch in the near future. If the concept and design of these products for such patents are anything to go by, one can expect many innovations, features and designs in the years to come.

These moves are expected to heat up competition in the ever-competitive consumer electronics space, especially in the smartphone market, while eventually leading to a phase of consolidation in the industry at large. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), as it seems, is investing heavily on its R&D and marketing, which clearly reflects how serious it is to retain its design advantages.

This is also seen as significant move for the company after competitor Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ:BBRY) has launched its latest iterations of smartphones, starting with the Blackberry Z10. BBRY has reportedly shipped 1 million Z10 units over the last quarter. Samsung, another big competitor of Apple, is also giving Cupertino a tough time by introducing its own version of the iTunes store.

Some of the products, which have the potential of becoming the go-to, hottest invention of the year in which they’re introduced, are truly breathtaking, and include a rumored iTV, a newer iPhone with a wrap around display, iGlass, and a computerized pen and watch (For details refer to product list below).

Although all of these products have futuristic design features, the biggest challenge for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may have to do with launch timing. Until such a release, shareholders of the company have little options other than to keep their fingers crossed, patiently waiting to see what Apple has up its sleeve(s).

We have analyzed the new patents filed by the tech giant, and highlights include the oft-anticipated iWatch, and something similar to a project Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is working on, but there are a few other, particularly interesting concepts Apple has laid claim to. Ever wanted to call someone while writing a book? Or what about a way to protect your phone if you drop it in a swimming pool? Continue reading to find out (selected patent images via Patently Apple).